Eyelash/
Eyebrow Dye Tips: Hair Dye and tint for Eyebrow

The Food and Drug Administration today reissued its long-standing warning against "permanent" eyebrow and eyelash dyeing. The Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act of 1938 prohibits the marketing of hair dyes for eyelash and eyebrow tinting or dyeing because this practice has been known to cause severe eye injuries and even blindness.

These dyes should not be confused with temporary coloring products used around the eyes - such as mascara, eye shadow, eyebrow pencils and eye liners - which can be used safely.

FDA's new warning was prompted by a recent report from the New York City area of an injury possibly associated with eyebrow and eyelash tinting. An informal FDA survey of beauty salon advertisements in the Washington, D.C., area following the report from New York indicates that some establishments are promoting "permanent" eyebrow and eyelash dyeing or tinting services.

Consumers should be aware that there are no natural or synthetic color additives approved by FDA for dyeing or tinting eyelashes and eyebrows -- either for use in beauty salons or in the home. In fact, the law requires all hair dye products to include instructions for performing patch tests before use to identify for possible allergic reactions, and to carry warnings about the dangers of applying these products to eyebrows and eyelashes.